New DNA Vaccine Benefits Multiple Sclerosis Patients | Best Syndication

Submitted by Marsha Quinn on August 14, 2007 - 3:09pm. Genetics and Stem Cells | Health | Mind

T1-MRI image

(Best Syndication) Canadian researchers say they have developed a DNA vaccine that appears to be safe and produces “beneficial changes” in the brains and immune systems of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). “There were no increases in clinical relapses, disability, drug-associated laboratory abnormalities, adverse events or the number and volume of contrast-enhancing (visible on MRI) lesions on brain MRI with BHT-3009 treatment compared with placebo,” according to the researchers.

In patients with MS the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells. It is believed that antibodies attack specific substances in the myelin, such as myelin basic proteins. The new DNA vaccine, BHT-3009, encodes a full-length human myelin basic protein.

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“BHT-3009 was safe and well tolerated, provided favorable trends on brain MRI and produced beneficial antigen-specific immune changes,” the authors write. These changes include a reduction in the number of cytokine-producing CD4+ T cells (a type of white blood cell) specifically targeting myelin proteins. This reduction was found in the blood as well as in the cerebrospinal fluid of three patients who voluntarily underwent lumbar puncture after completing the course of BHT-3009. Atorvastatin did not appear to provide additional benefit.

The research may lead to a cure for other diseases including type-1 diabetes. “If successful in MS, antigen-specific DNA vaccines can be developed for prevention or treatment of related diseases, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and myasthenia gravis.”

Multiple sclerosis, also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminate, is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The researchers believe that the inflammation is caused by the destruction of the myelin basic proteins.

Symptoms include changes in sensation, visual problems, muscle weakness, depression, difficulties with coordination and speech, severe fatigue, cognitive impairment, problems with balance, overheating, and pain. MS will cause impaired mobility and disability in more severe cases.

By Marsha Quinn
Best Syndication News Health Writer

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